Accidents Caused by Cell Phone Use on the Road
Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in the United States, with cell phone use being one of the main distractions drivers deal with on the road. Whether they're sending a text, answering a call, scrolling through social media, or watching a video, by taking their focus off the road, they're putting other drivers at risk.
Facts About Cell Phone Accidents
How much of an impact do cell phones make in regards to accidents in the United States? To see the impact of these distracted drivers, take a look at some of these facts:
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Drivers who use their cell phone while driving cause over 1.6 million accidents each year. Texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving—in fact, texting while driving is six times more dangerous. Although any use of cell phones can be distracting, research has shown time and time again that the riskiest thing you could do while operating a vehicle is to be text messaging.
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Your eyes are taken off the road for about five seconds each time you send a text message. That doesn't seem like much— but if you drive 55 mph, that means your eyes are off the road for a football field's length. Even teens, who are the most inexperienced drivers, know the dangers of distracted driving. Ninety-four percent of teenagers agreed that it is not safe to use a cell phone while driving, but 35 percent of them admitted that they do so anyway. It's no secret that distracted driving is dangerous, but before getting behind the wheel, many drivers fail to put down their cell phones.
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You slow down your reaction time whenever you ask your brain to switch back and forth between two tasks— driving and using a cell phone in this case. Therefore, if you use a cell phone while driving, you will not be able to react as quickly as you would if you were not using your phone to react to brake lights or lane changes.
If, as a result of someone using his cell phone while driving, you or a loved one has been injured, talk to an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
How Charles Bean & Associates, PLLC Can Help
The accident attorneys at Charles Bean & Associates, PLLC understand the serious effect that distracted driving accidents can have on those involved. The personal injury accident attorneys at Charles Bean & Associates, PLLC also understand the variety of factors that can come into play with an accident that stems from a driver who was operating a vehicle while texting.
We will use this understanding and expertise to approach your distracted driving accident case in a way that is best for you in order to get the best recovery for your injuries caused by the texting-while-driving accident.
If you or a loved one have been injured as the result of being involved in a distracted driving accident, you should contact an accident lawyer at Charles Bean & Associates, PLLC, for a free consultation to assess your claim.
The most important priority after everyone’s medical needs have been attended is to connect with an experienced and reputable injury accident attorney. Charles Bean & Associates, PLLC can help you assure the best chances of protecting your rights and advise you on preserving any evidence.